LETTER: Veiled Rights

Reshma Memon describes Islam as a religion in which women are more liberated than men (DP 2/26/92). Being suprised at this revelation, I decided to check on it in the Encyclopedia Britannica. I read, "A man is unequivocally deemed superior. Any sexual misdemeanors by [women] reflect on him and his sons, unless he can redeem them by violence . . . "Fathers have the right to contract their daughters, whether minor or adult, in compulsory marriage . . . Husbands have the right to polygamy and may be validly married at the same time to a maximum of four wives . . . "During marriage the husband is bound to maintain and support his wife provided she is obedient to him, not only in domestic matters but also in general social activities and conduct . . . "But it is in the tradition of divorce that the scales are most heavily weighted against the wife. The husband alone has the power unilaterally to terminate the marriage by repudiation . . . of his wife." If Reshma considers Islam a liberated religion inspite of this, that's her prerogative; however, I think she should replace the photo of her lovely uncovered face in the DP, walk around covered with a veil and then reconsider her views. I would consider that a shame because she is a very attractive young woman, but that is Islamic law, and liberation comes first. GAMALIEL ISAAC PhD candidate Bio-Medical